Tropic Ocean Airways, the World’s Largest Cessna Grand Caravan EX Seaplane Operator, Enters into Agreements with Textron Aviation and Wipaire Inc., for an Aircraft Order

Tropic Ocean Airways, the largest Cessna Grand Caravan EX seaplane operator in the World and the fastest growing seaplane operator in the Americas is pleased to announce that it has placed a purchase order with Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, the manufacturer of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, and Wipaire, the manufacturer of the Wipline 8750A seaplane floats, to take delivery of four (4) new Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft equipped with Wipline 8750A floats during 2018, with options to purchase additional aircraft over the next five years to support Tropic Ocean Airways’ rapid growth and expansion into new markets. The addition of the early 2018 deliveries will bring Tropic Ocean Airways’ fleet of aircraft to fifteen (15).

Additionally, Tropic Ocean Airways and Textron Aviation have begun a process to authorize Tropic Ocean Airways’ Maintenance Department headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to expand its capability to perform maintenance on its own fleet of Textron Aviation aircraft in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s highest standards. The companies are also exploring the development of the world’s first dedicated Cessna Grand Caravan seaplane training facility.

Rob Ceravolo, Tropic Ocean Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are extremely grateful for Textron Aviation’s and Wipaire’s commitment to Tropic Ocean Airways and look forward to expanding our relationship even further as we implement new services. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX product has been the cornerstone of our success.”

Rob Scholl, Textron Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said, “Tropic Ocean Airways is an outstanding operator and excellent ambassador for the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, an aircraft they have relied on to fulfill their mission since 2012. This new aircraft order shows the great trust and confidence they have in this product and the company behind it.”

Wipaire’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Clint Clouatre echoed Textron’s comments saying, “Tropic Ocean Airways is Wipaire’s largest U.S. based operator and has become a strategic customer since its inception.”

Tropic Ocean Airways made its announcement at the exclusive Wings Wheels Water event held at Sheltair Aviation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 1, 2017. Tropic Ocean Airways currently provides scheduled and charter air service throughout Florida, The Bahamas, and seasonal air service in the northeast United States utilizing its fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft.